« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

WHOLE LOTTA SHAKING GOING ON

New York Loves Japan Punch Party Fundraiser
By Francine Cohen


First an earthquake, followed by a tsunami, followed by another earthquake and expected aftershocks. Japan can’t catch a break.

But you can take a break from your regular Monday night cocktail routine and put that money to good use. Not to worry; we’re not suggesting you stop sipping. Instead we think you should be sipping Japanese inspired punches at Summit Bar.

$20 gets you unlimited access to punch bowls filled with hand crafted concoctions created by New York’s best bar chefs. Punches on the bar will includ Beefeater Gin, Belvedere Vodka, Corazon Tequila, Leblon Cachca, Pernod Absinthe, Sailor Jerry Rum, and the Classic & Vintage Spirits portfolio (presented by The Tippling Bros.). Ladle up your cup to the beats DJ Kimiko Masuda will be spinning or ask the bar staff for a Yamazaki cocktail and know you’re drinking for an important cause.

100% of the proceeds got the Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund. To RSVP see
www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113541028725371 and for more information go to www.thesummitbar.net.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in: Events
No Comments »
April 10th, 2011

THE WAITING IS OVER

It’s time to book your tickets for the Manhattan Cocktail Classic
By Francine Cohen

Photo by Charles Steadman

You came, you saw, and approximately 20,000 of you voted to determine which seminars should be featured at Manhattan Cocktail Classic 2011.

The votes have been counted, the seminar schedule determined, and here’s what you have to choose from when tickets go on sale April 1st.

Don’t miss the boat.

Manhattan Cocktail Classic Seminars Schedule

SATURDAY MAY 14:
11:30am – 1:00pm: The Science of Mixology
12:15pm – 1:45pm: Hand’s on with Tony Abou-Ganim
1:45pm – 3:15pm: History: What is it Good For? Dave Wondrich
2:30pm – 4:00pm: Whiskey is the New Black
4:00pm – 5:30pm: How to Behave in a Bar
4:45pm – 6:15pm: Rye Mania with Dave Wondrich
6:15pm – 7:45pm: Aperitivo: The Italian Happy Hour hosted by Joe Campanale
7:00pm – 8:30pm: Beyond the Hangover Cure

SUNDAY MAY 15:
11:30am – 1:00pm: Art of the Simple Cocktail
12:15pm – 1:45pm: Glasses & Tools hosted by Dale DeGroff
1:45pm – 3:15pm: Whiskies of the World
2:30pm – 4:00pm: Classic Cocktails, Classic Film
4:00pm – 5:30pm: A Drop Of The Hard Stuff
4:45pm – 6:15pm: Preserving with Liquor
6:15pm – 7:45pm: Global Drink Ritual
7:00pm – 8:30pm: The Science of Citrus

MONDAY MAY 16:
11:30am – 1:00pm: Spirits in a Blind with Steve Olson and Doug Frost
12:15pm – 1:45pm: Drink Like You Eat
1:45pm – 3:15pm: Discovering Le Cognac with Dale DeGroff, Steve Olson, Dave Wondrich, Doug Frost, Paul Pacult and Andy Seymour
2:30pm – 4:00pm: Three Mixologists, Three Drinks, Three Ways
4:00pm – 5:30pm: From the BeGINning
4:45pm – 6:15pm: Tequila’s Rebirth
6:15pm – 7:45pm: Age: The Final Frontier
7:00pm – 8:30pm: Yo, Ho, Ho and a Bottle of Rum

TUESDAY MAY 17:
11:30am – 1:00pm: Botanical Bartending
12:15pm – 1:45pm: The Agave Sessions
1:45pm – 3:15pm: The Mindful Bartender
2:30pm – 4:00pm: The Science of Taste
4:00pm – 5:30pm: Mysticism and Magic
4:45pm – 6:15pm: The History of Distilling in New York City

Part festival, part fête, part conference, part cocktail party — the Manhattan Cocktail Classic is an annual celebration of the myriad points of intersection between cocktails and culture. New York City’s annual five-day celebration of cocktails and culture happens May 13 – 17 with over 100 events spread across five days and five boroughs, including 30 seminars taking place at Astor Center during the festival, which were selected by popular vote from amongst over 85 proposals.

The final line-up of 2011 seminars offer a terrific spread of imbibing education: from the history of Italian aperitifs to the science of whiskey cocktails; from ancient drinking rituals to techniques in home preserving with liquor. The seminars will be hosted by noted mixologists, spirits experts, cocktail mavens and acclaimed booze journalists.

“We were thrilled to be able to empower our festival audience to choose the seminars they most wanted to see at the 2011 festival,” said Lesley Townsend, founder and director of the Classic. “Not only was this decision-making process very much in keeping with the democratic spirit of the Classic – but it yielded an absolutely fantastic line-up of seminars that we will be nothing short of honored to host.”

The Classic offers a vast array of unique experiences to enthusiasts and professionals alike, expanding the very definition of what constitutes a “cocktail event.” For additional information, please visit www.manhattancocktailclassic.com.

Tags: ,
Posted in: Events, Features
No Comments »
March 30th, 2011

NYC CHILI FEST 2011

Warm up tomorrow, January 30, during Chili Fest at New York City’s Chelsea Market where you’ll feast on enough chili to satisfy your every craving.

Navigate your way through the market from 4-8 p.m. sampling chilis from over 20 of NYC’s best restaurants and chefs (see list below). Cheer on your favorite chef as all participating chefs are competing for the Golden Chili Mug 2011 title, and a $2,000 cash prize.

Dickson’s Farmstand Meats will be supplying all the chefs with 100% dry-aged, locally-raised beef from Wrighteous Organics in Schoharie, NY, as the base for their chili, providing a level playing field for the competition. A panel of industry celebrity judges will taste their way through the offerings and determine the 2011 chili champ.

Brooklyn Brewery will also be matching four of their favorite chili-friendly beers for the event and serving them in the Brooklyn Brewery Beer Hall (ID is required for entrance).

A portion of the ticket proceeds for the event will go to Food Systems NYC in support of their effort to build a just and vibrant regional food and farm economy, which promotes human and environmental health, and prevents hunger.

Live musical performances from local bands The Dixons, Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade, and The Ebony Hillbillies will run through the event.

Chili tickets are $30 online prior to the event ($35 at the door) and guests get all the chili and live music they can handle. Chili+Beer tickets are $40 ($45 at the door) and gives guests access to the Brooklyn Brewery Beer Garden and all its beers, not to mention all the chili and live music they can handle.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit chilifest2011.com.

Competing Restaurants (subject to change):

Amy’s Bread
Bark Hot Dogs
Beer Table
Blue Ribbon Bakery
Brookvin
Cariño
Char No. 4
The Commodore
Co.
Dressler
Fette Sau
Friedman’s Lunch
The Green Table
Jimmy’s No. 43
La Palapa
Mile End
Northern Spy Food Co.
No. 7
Sueños
TV Food Network Test Kitchen
Txikito
Vinegar Hill House
Yerba Buena

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in: Events
No Comments »
January 29th, 2011

COGNACS COMBAT COLD

Super-premium cognacs are available for your sipping (and warming pleasure)
By Francine Cohen

Kings don’t become kings just because they are lucky, or born into the right family.  Okay, so maybe they do.  But along with their birthright comes the responsibility of upholding certain standards and reaching for only the best products (hence the coveted royal warrant).

But, since you’re probably less interested in a royal warrant and more interested in a royal warming after this cold snap and snow we’re buried in, you’ll want to check out the Liquor.com event at Brandy Library on January 31st.

For just $45 per ticket you’ll have an opportunity to sample a selection of some of the world’s finest cognacs (the spirit of kings, and rappers). Many are rich with delicate fruit and oaky notes that warm you up and all are well worth your time as it’s hard to find a collection of standouts (XO grade or higher) like this at one event. 

Come ready to nibble on cheese and charcuterie as you experience Bache-Gabrielsen Hors d’Age, Pierre Ferrand Selection des Anges, Chateau de Montifaud, Louis Royer XO, Camus and Rémy Martin’s $2,000 a bottle Louis XIII.

For tickets go to liquor.com/shop/checkout

For more information about the event contact John Henry at john@liquor.com or (917) 842-9615.

Posted in: Events
No Comments »
January 27th, 2011

GIVE THE GIFT OF GIVING

Here’s the perfect last minute gift that won’t get returned and will save you a bundle while helping end childhood hunger. INSIDE F&B brings you a holiday discount on tickets to Taste of the Nation NYC.

May 23, 2011 – 6:30 VIP/7:30 General Admission – 9:30 PM
Pier 81/World Yacht Marina
West 41st Street at the Hudson River (12th Ave) New York, NY

Buy your ticket to the hottest food and wine event of 2011 and help fight childhood hunger.

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation® is the nation’s premier culinary benefit, featuring top chefs and mixologists — all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America.

Join us for New York’s premier tasting event dedicated to ending childhood hunger. Mix and mingle with NYC’s top toques, as the sun sets on Pier 81 overlooking the Hudson River. Savor signature dishes while renowned mixologists sling singular cocktails. Pick up a signed cookbook and chat up your favorite food writers at the Book Sales & Signings. And don’t miss the silent and online auctions, featuring lifestyle, epicurean, and travel packages.

*Use code NYCHOLIDAY at checkout to receive $25 off tickets*

Taste of the Nation – NYC General Admission 7:30 – 9:30 PM
$225
With holiday discount: $200

NYC’s premier tasting event dedicated to ending childhood hunger. Mix and mingle with NYC’s top toques, as the sun sets on Pier 81 overlooking the Hudson River. Savor signature dishes while renowned mixologists sling singular cocktails. Pick up a signed cookbook and chat up your favorite food writers at the Book Sales & Signings. And don’t miss the silent and online auctions, featuring lifestyle, epicurean, and travel packages. General Admission price is $250 at the door.

Taste of the Nation – NYC VIP Admission 6:30 – 9:30 PM
$425
With holiday discount: $400

Experience NYC’s premier event dedicated to ending childhood hunger. Mingle on Pier 81 overlooking the Hudson River as the sun sets. Savor signature dishes from Manhattan’s top toques while renowned mixologists sling singular cocktails. Pick up a cookbook chat up your favorite food writers at the Book Sales & Signings. And don’t miss the silent and online auctions, packed with lifestyle, epicurean, and travel packages. VIP Ticket Holders enjoy a one-hour preview of the full event, plus exclusive access to the VIP Yacht, complete with dishes and drinks created just for our VIP guests from restaurants not featured in the main event. Special giveaways, Meet & Greets, demonstrations from top mixologists, and more! VIP Admission price is $450 at the door.

****prices good through 12/31/10.
For more information about Taste of the Nation visit: www.tasteofthenation.com

Posted in: Events
No Comments »
December 21st, 2010

DON Q RUM MIXES UP THE COMPETITION

Mix It Up NYC with Don Q from Francine Cohen on Vimeo.

Leave it to DonQ rums (www.donq.com) to hold their cocktail competition in a space (almost) nobody had seen before, revealing the country’s best rum cocktails that (almost) nobody had tasted before in New York.

Though New York City’s fire department officially frowns on Albert Trummer’s pyrotechnic show at his Chinatown cocktail den, Apotheke, thankfully they were nowhere to be found on May 17th during the Manhattan Cocktail Classic (www.manhattancocktailclassic.com) as the judges for the DonQ cocktail competition’s US finals dodged workmen busily putting the finishing touches to Trummer’s latest venture, Theater Bar.

After an hour or so of ducking out of the way as wallpaper was smoothed and lighting fixtures affixed to the wall, a sneak peak taste of the soon to be released Blackbeard Spiced Rum was shared before the taste tests began.

15 cocktails were sipped and assessed; each featuring DonQ Rum. The competitors were evaluated on their use of the spirit, drink flavor, and presentation by judges Tony Abou Ganim, Francine Cohen, James Menite and Albert Trummer. The prize? Five winners were to head to Puerto Rico in June to represent the United States in a cocktail throw down against the Puerto Rican team.

The fabulous five selected to represent the United States: Tony Devencenzi of San Francisco; Noah Heaney of Denver, CO; Charles Joly of Chicago; Brian Matthys of New York City; Darren West of Las Vegas.

Ultimately, the overall competition winner was from Puerto Rico, Hiram Avila.

Cucumbertini
By Hiram Avila of Puerto Rico

Ingredients
½ oz. DonQ Cristal rum
½ oz. DonQ Añejo rum
½ oz. DonQ Coco rum
½ oz. Monin ginger syrup
1 oz. Fresh cucumber juice

Method
In a cocktail shaker, add rums, ginger syrup, fresh cucumber juice and ice.
Shake vigorously and strain over martini glass.

Garnish with cucumber slice and a sprinkle of sparkly sugar.

To make cucumber juice, use 2 cucumbers and a juicer. If a juicer is not available, add 2 unpeeled cucumbers and ¼ oz. of water to a blender. Blend on high speed and strain mixture.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in: Events
No Comments »
November 28th, 2010

THE NOSE KNOWS

Exploring the Alchemy of Taste and Smell

Guests may first eat with their eyes, but their satisfaction with what goes into their mouths is directly correlated to what they smell as the aromas from their first bite or sip wafts up to their nose.

How are you considering the impact that smell has on taste, memory, culture and nature as you think through each dish? Do you consider the importance of aroma and its impact on your guest’s food and drink experiences?

Do you want to learn more about how to create that elevated guest experience that brings them back again and again? You can this weekend at The Alchemy of Taste and Smell – a seminar dedicated to the exploration of creativity in cooking, the composite nature of flavors with a crucial focus on scents.

Event creator, Daniel Patterson says, “The reality is, that what we smell comprises at least 80% of taste and flavor. We’re looking to provide people with a better understanding of that.”

The understanding culminates on Saturday night with an experimental seven course meal that illuminates the explicit connection between what we smell and what we taste. Expect each of the seven chefs presenting their course to wow you with some culinary sleight of hand tricks.

Join Mandy Aftel (Owner, Aftelier Perfumes; Author), Dave Arnold (Director of Culinary Technology, FCI), David Chang (Chef/Owner, Momofuku, ** Michelin Stars for Ko, World’s 50 Best Restaurants #26 for Ssam Bar), Bill Corbett (Pastry Chef, Coi), Wylie Dufresne (Chef/Owner WD-50, * Michelin Star, World’s 50 Best Restaurants #45), Johnny Iuzzini (Pastry Chef, Jean-Georges, *** Michelin Stars), Harold McGee (Author and NY Times Columnist), George Mendes (Chef/Owner, Aldea), Nils Noren (Vice President of Culinary and Pastry Arts at The International Culinary Center), Daniel Patterson (Chef/Owner Coi, ** Michelin Stars), Audrey Saunders (Mixologist, Owner Pegu Club), Alexander Talbot and Aki Kamozawa (Chefs and Authors, Ideas In Food) for two days as chefs and mixologists gather to dine, investigate, and explore together the importance of aromatics and how it integrates into the food & beverage experience.

Below is the program, with pricing. Tickets are available at: www.astorcenternyc.com/shopping-cart.ac

Friday Evening

5:00 p.m:
Dave Arnold and Audrey Saunders
Demonstration: Using Aroma in Cocktails (The Study, up to 36 people) $55

Dave Arnold and Audrey Saunders will demonstrate how they use aroma in cocktails, including distillations, essential oils and infusions.

7:00 – 10:00 p.m:
Opening Party (The Lounge and The Gallery, up to 250 people) $95
Creative cocktails by Dave Arnold and Audrey Saunders
Participating Chefs: David Chang, Alexander Talbot and Aki Kamozawa, Daniel Patterson, Nils Noren, Bill Corbett

The party will feature stations spread throughout the two rooms, with chefs and mixologists on display, making food and cocktails. There will be some passed food as well, and white and red wines will also be served. Read the full article here »

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in: Events
No Comments »
November 10th, 2010

CURING THE COMMON COCKTAIL

A PAMA Party Guaranteed to Lift Your Spirits

It’s that time of year – the weather swings like a pendulum on the bow of a boat riding the choppy seas and inevitably we all get colds. You could go to the doctor, get a prescription and then hit your favorite cocktail bar to wash down the meds, but that’s not a good idea (really not reflective of the whole “drink responsibly” mandate we follow). Better to self medicate simply with cocktails while learning about cocktails. 21 of them in fact. And created by Eben Freeman no less.

On Monday, November 1st Eben Freeman is presenting a selection of cocktails made with PAMA, the pomegranate liqueur that’s a combination of pomegranate juice (a known antioxidant), vodka and a touch of tequila. Exploring the realms of cocktail’s flavors, colors and textures Freeman is introducing a number of signature recipes that show off PAMA’s versatility and value in enhancing a drink.

Among Freeman’s cocktails, PAMA was paired with bourbon, rye, tequila, cognac, brandy, dark and light rum, cachaça and vodka, creating an array of classic and modern drinks. He says, “PAMA is so well balanced between sweet and tart that it balances the strength of its partner spirit,” When compared to similar liqueurs and cocktail ingredients, PAMA’s sweetness is 42 on a 100-point scale; its tartness reaches 39.

Pomegranate has a long history in the cocktail spectrum – originally in the form of grenadine, which was once made with fresh pomegranate juice. According to Freeman, it is the pomegranate that gives PAMA a tannic quality that helps to structure a cocktail and impart texture, which enhances the end result. He concludes, “When used properly, PAMA can help introduce the novice drinker to the realm of the classic cocktails with a fresher, more approachable flavor; its ruby-red color furthers to brighten a cocktail with a rosey hue that makes the drink more appealing to the eye and subsequently the palate as well.”

If you want to get well, or maybe just have PAMA in the well and figure out what you can do with it, get yourself to this event. The first three people to respond to francinecohen@insidefandb.com with the right answer about what’s in PAMA (besides pomegranate juice) will be put on the guest list.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in: Events
No Comments »
October 29th, 2010

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »